Gate Valves are the most commonly used valves that can be found in a water distribution system. These valves are mostly used for on/off control and can prevent the flow of liquid in both directions. They are extremely easy to maintain and install. Gate Valves are known for their cost-efficiency and are extremely used in the petroleum industries as they are capable of cutting via liquids. Before the emergence of the ball valve, Gate Valves used to be the most popular ones and are to date considered as the first choice for a certain range of applications. Keep reading this blog further to know in detail about these extraordinary valves.
What is a Gate Valve?
Gate Valves are linear motion valves that are used for stopping or starting the flow of the piping fluid. There remains a wedge or gate type disk present in these valves which can perpendicularly move to the flow that can direct the flow towards the start or stop. The best quality gate valve in any plant process has the most common use and is extremely suitable for both underground and above-ground installations. Also known as a sluice valve, a gate valve can be opened very easily as one just needs for lifting the gate out of the fluid’s path. It does not need a wide surface as it can be fitted in a very small space along with the axis of the pipe. Between the seat and disc for achieving proper sealing, it needs to have a 360° surface contact. Of certain parts that allow it to properly function, a gate valve is composed.
Various applications of Gate Valves
It is used mainly for all types of applications and is the most suitable for all types of underground and above ground applications.
· When the free bore loss is required and when the loss of pressure is minimum, it is highly required.
· For a number of fluids, it can be used and it is highly suitable for potable water, neutral liquids and wastewater.
· The required range of temperature lies between -20 to + 70-degree centigrade for which the flow of the velocity must be 5 m/s and around 16 bar pressure differential.
In any place where an economical shut off is needed, gate valves can be ideally used. MEP Gate Valve is used ideally in slurries as the gate can cut through it. In applications of light grease, heavy oil, varnish or other non-flammable liquids, Gate Valves are very common.
Working principle of the Gate Valve
On top of the gate valve, there lies a handle wheel and whenever in a clockwise direction this wheel will be rotated, the gate and steam will be moving in the downward direction. It can prevent the fluid’s leakage via the valve. Whenever the rotation of the wheel is done in the anti-clockwise direction, the opening of the valve will happen and the gate and steam will be moving in the upward direction across the fluid. In the semi-opened direction, the gate valve can be used too but the gate will be having erosion as the fluid will be striking and because of that it is not recommended for opening partially.
Limitation of Gate Valves
Most of the gate valves are available with metal to metal seats that do not create a positive seal and can in several cases cause leaks whereas the ball valves can tightly shut. The gate valves also have a tendency for seizing up if they are not used for a certain period of time that can lead to leaks at the packing of the stem. When compared to ball valves, the gate valves are bulkier. They are not ideal for tight spaces as they stick out more. For various applications, the ball valves can be the better choice as they can offer a leak-free seal.
Restriction of the flow
In places wherever the throttling capabilities are desired, gate valves can be used. It is not recommended typically as the erosion of the disc and seat can happen because of the disc vibrations which may result in the leakage of the valve over time.
If you are in search of high-class Gate Valves then you can surely get them from Dutco Tennant LLC. For your requirements of commercial gate valves or gate valves for residential use in the Middle East, get in touch with us today. We will be more than happy to help you out.
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